You didn't miss the part in the write up. The steering box should be filled with fluid to prevent wear, corrosion and lubrication. As long as the box isn't pressurized as when pump running the fluid should offer no resistance.
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That's true when using a manual steering box, but when using a PS steering box you want it empty because the fluid moving through the small valleys and pores inside the power box will add quite a bit of resistance. It makes a huge difference between a full steering box and a drained one.

There shouldn't be a ton of wear on it anyway. There is still a fluid film inside and it's not like there are any constantly moving or rotating parts like in the drivetrain.

And there is no rack. There's a steering box and the two wheels are connected with a tie rod instead of there being a central rack that connects to each wheel on either side.

 

I might look into finding a shorter Pittman arm to also give myself some more leverage. That would achieve the same effect as changing the steering ratio. I'll have to look and see tomorrow.

 

Just asking what I am sure many readers are wondering. What the hell is the point of this?

1.5 mpg gain but no power steering?

 

X1 ........... also Alex you must have Herculean arms and chest as having lost my PAS on the Pajero sometime ago it was hell to steer.

 

Like I said, Frank, I know this one isn't going to be for most people.

In all honesty, I'm on a shoestring budget right now. That 17% increase is an extra $70/month that I could really use right now. And I can't just drive a more fuel efficient vehicle because I use her for all her capabilities for work.

France, it was really tight before I drained the steering box. Once I had it drained it wasn't bad!

 

what do you do for work?
Do you smuggle Mexicans across the border and need 4wheel drive to run from border control?

 

Haha, I do a little of anything and everything. Right now I'm acting as my parents general contractor; they're building a house. I end up hauling a lot of tools, pulling trailers about 1/3 of the time, and when it rains the property is really sloppy.

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How about finding a truck that gets better gas mileage instead of rigging the Rover until you make a deadly mistake.

Not being smart, just don't want to see someone hurt.

 

Have you tried a water pump delete? It sucks up MPGs too, just go electric